Health Equity
Medicaid Enrollment Touches 39% of the Residents of The District of Columbia; DC’s 70/30 FMAP is Vital for the Maintenance of Health & Human Services
A reduction in the District’s FMAP would not lead to long-term government savings and would have a ripple effect throughout the entire health system in the DMV, crippling access to care for not only Medicaid beneficiaries but also all those who live, work, and visit the District of Columbia, including members of Congress and their staffs.
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Why does DC receive an Enhanced FMAP Rate?
The DC FMAP rate of 70% established by the Revitalization Act resulted from bipartisan analysis, discussion, and negotiation by Congressional leadership aiming to balance fairness with the District’s restricted ability to generate revenue. Congress recognized that the District of Columbia faces unique financial challenges due to its non-state status and the significant amount of federally-owned land within its boundaries. The District is unable to tax non-residents’ earnings, so these workers pay no taxes to support the infrastructure and services, such as roads, public safety and emergency services that they benefit from in the District. The District is also unable to tax up to 40% of the real property within its borders due to statutory restrictions.
Why are we concerned about DC's FMAP now?
Members of Congress have proposed reducing the DC FMAP to the statutory minimum for all other states, which is currently 50% (but could be reduced even more). Such a change would impact every physician and every practice, regardless of type, location, and payers contracted. Even practices who take no insurance will not be able to send patients for specialist care, hospital admissions, or other types of care.
What can MSDC members do?
- If you know a member of Congress or staffer, reach out to them and share how DC cuts will hurt your patients.
- Share your relationships and outreach with hay@msdc.org so we can help coordinate advocacy efforts.
- Email hay@msdc.org if you would like to be paired with a physician member of Congress office and trained by MSDC staff on how to reach out.
Resources
- DC FMAP cut fact sheet
- California Medical Association fact sheet on Medicaid cuts
- MSDC and healthcare association letter to Congress arguing against DC FMAP changes.
- MSDC original story on Medicaid changes.
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
DC Health Opens New Healthcare Loan Reimbursement Application Cycle
The below is a press release from DC Health's Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) office:
On May 15, 2021 the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) will accept applications for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP). HPLRP provides loan repayment services to eligible providers practicing in HPLRP-certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) in the District. New provider applications will be accepted from May 15, 2021– June 15, 2021 for Tier I; Tier II will open June 30 and close July 30, 2021 contingent upon availability.
The HPLRP will issue up to twenty-one (21) award contracts to primary care and mental health physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and or psychiatry working or having a contract in one our HPLRP certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS) and have 100% of their total debt, not to exceed $200,000, repaid by the HPLRP over 4 years of service, provided that the participant will provide full-time service in Ward 7 or 8 in the District of Columbia. The initial award is 44% of the participant's loan not to exceed $88,000 for two-years of service.
Providers interested in the program must be employed or have an employment contract with a certified Service Obligation Site (SOS) to provide direct patient care for at least 40 hours per week. A site must be an approved SOS for a provider to be eligible for the HPLRP. To become an SOS, a site must be a public or nonprofit entity located in a Health Professional Shortage or Medically Under-served Area/Population (HPSA/MUA/MUP) and must submit a Site Certification Application to the HPLRP. HPLRP applications, including recommendation letters and loan verification information, must be completed and submitted to DC Health by June15, 2021 for the 1st closing date. Tier II cycle will close July 30, 2021.
The anticipated contract start date for selected applicants is August 15, 2021.
You can apply at bit.ly/2MzONXV.
HPLRP Application Technical Assistance Conference Call for Fall & Spring Webinar (Note: Chrome Extension May Be Required or use Internet Explorer)
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